Saturday, June 02, 2007

Shawl Stuff

I have completed the little pine trees in the final section of the shawl border. All that remains before the edging is a couple rows of plain stockinette, two rows of k2tog, yo, and couple more rows of plain stockinette.

I cannot now remember what it feels like to knit anything other than white laceweight on a size zero circular.

My next project, whatever it may be, will involve color. Lots and lots of color. Enough color to make Kaffe Fassett say, "Wow. Don't you think this is a little busy?"

When we visited a craft sale today, the old Maine ladies admired first the baby, then the Glencora shawl wrapped around her.

My sister kindly informed them that I had made it. When they recovered the power of speech sufficiently to express surprise, it was fun to say, "Of course, I'm working on something much fancier for the christening." Girls, that's how it's done downtown.

I'm afraid there's no pattern for Glencora, Lauren, though I'm flattered to be asked. To make it, all you need to do is knit up the baby shawl from Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitter's Almanac(it's in February, I think), and when you have enough room put a tulip from Barbara Walker's A Treasury of Knitting Patternsin each quadrant. Above that, after a bit of plain knitting, put in two rows (staggered) of rosebuds from Sharon Miller's Heirloom Knitting. Then a little more plain knitting. Surround the whole with the Wave Edging from Heirloom Knitting. Block severely. Wrap around baby. Ta-daaa.

I knew I would love Abigail but I didn't realize how much. Leaving is going to be difficult. Yesterday while Susan was taking a much-deserved nap I was in charge of keeping the baby happy and had her all to myself. She started fussing, so I picked her up and we drifted around the room to my off-key rendition of the Emperor Waltz. She gurgled happily and briefly attempted to nurse on my left bicep; then we sat on the sofa and she fell back to sleep on my chest. From her point of view, at that moment I was both needed and sufficient. I've seldom felt myself to be either of those separately, let alone together. Thanks, kid.

Regarding how you felt holding and loving Abigail: Even though it was in a "uncle-y" way, now you know the love that a parent even has for a child. I think you expressed it quite elegantly, as usual. ;-)

And man, your sister looks GREAT for having just had a baby so recently! I'm jealous! Such lovely ladies you have in your family. :-)

The most beautiful feeling I have ever had was having my first niece fall asleep on my shoulder. I felt the same way you do. The trust our nieces imparted in that simple act is overwhelming. She's now 22 and about to be married! Enjoy this time with Abigail, Franklin. It goes more quickly than we want it to!

I will never forget the first time Norbert fell asleep on my chest. I remains among the happiest moments of my life. Next time, for a special treat, once she has fallen asleep, bury your nose in her neck and take a deep, deep breath. There is nothing as intoxicating as the smell of sleeping baby.

I remember when my nephew, Sean, was born. The first time I held him, I looked over his fingers and toes and lashed and lips, and, even though a teen-ager, I realized that babies were miracles -- rainbows -- signs of G-d's intention to sustain humanity. Nephew Sean gets married in August, and maybe he'll provide us with miracles of his own. And maybe they'll fall asleep on my chest and let me relive it all again.

I was reflecting just the other day on how miraculous babies are. Of course, the baby in my case was a newborn alpaca, but I do still remember holding my nephew when he was only 4 hours old (12 years ago now). It's a feeling beyond special.

Thank you anyway, Franklin, I found a lovely Spanish christening shawl in "Folk Shawls" by Cheryl O'Berle (sp?)I have already purchased the Merino fleece via Ebay as I raise Shetlands and think their fleece is not quite baby soft. I think I'll dye the locks the palest yellow, card and spin them to show off the slightest variegation in color yet not detract from the pattern.

I love the photos of you and your wee bairn of a niece. It makes my heart go pitter pat and my emotions verklempt.

What a lovely post. Congratulations to your family on the birth of the beautiful Abigail. It breaks my heart just a little to think that you could feel less than needed or sufficient. But it mends a little to think you have a niece who at just a few days old could give that to you. Thank you for everything you do, Franklin.

I don't know what to sigh over first. That lovely shawl, the imagined expressions of the Maine ladies, your sweet naptime story, baby and mama's expressions, or little Abigail's feet peeping out from under the shawl.

My oldest nieces (twins) were born when I was 12. The very first time I held one of them, I instantly felt all grown up and full of love and devotion and protective instincts. It was amazing. There is nothing in the world like holding a sleeping baby in your arms, close to your hear...surpassed only by sitting in a rocking chair while holding a sleeping baby.

You have a lovely family and I know without a doubt that you are going to be an excellent uncle.

Awww, Franklin. You had me giggling at the bitchiness of "That's how it's done downtown" then tearing up at "needed and sufficient. I've seldom felt myself to be either of those separately, let alone together." You are some wonderful guy - whether you fall into somebody's definition of he-man or not.

1 - wow. 2/3 - don't forget to tread softly over all of us who are slain with envy. 4 - The Glencora disappears into springtime. 5 - a shawl pattern I understand! 6 - You held Abigail to your chest, she heard your heartbeat and was comforted. Necessary and sufficient, yes.

Oh, Franklin! Reading your exquisite post reminded me of when my two were babies. They are 19 and 17 now, and I promise you that every single stage is an adventure! I can tell you are going to enjoy every minute. Good wishes to you and the whole(new and improved)family!

You indeed are the recipient of many treasures: a loving family, the skill to create beauty in yarn, and the talent to share these treasures with your readers through words. You are indeed blessed. Thank you for sharing.

I am but a humble Maine farmer who fancies herself some warty ole fiber artist when clanging the dye pots but, when you mentioned working with some color - I couldn't resist the temptation to offer to do something just for you.

Want some yarn?

The baby is breaking my heart with her peaceful pose - and sister Sue beams, truly.

I know how you feel - there is something breathtaking about being an aunt (or uncle, of course), especially the first time it happens. Though I pretty much get hit with it again every time I see my nieces.

I wonder if Abigail will be an only child? I suspect not, so you might want to consider what you'll be knitting for the next children as well. While it's lovely to spoil Abigail, you wouldn't want the others feeling less loved.

Loving a baby is just the greatest thing in the world. Lucky you to have one to love. Everytime I look at her picture, I can't help but think she is really one of the prettiest babies I've ever seen. No lie. And a baby sleeping on your chest is one of the world's greatest gifts.

Once again, you've found the perfect words for something I thought I would never have words to describe. Thank you.

Odds are that I'll never meet you, and yet your writing, humor, and perception have added something lovely to my life. It's not nearly as good as a baby sleeping peacefully on your chest, but maybe sometimes you can remember that many of us are very glad you are on this Earth and writing.

You and your well written words are needed by those of us who stop by to read them. They are a comfort, enlightening, entertaining and a way for us without such skills to express the joys of knitting and nieces and much much more. Sufficient doesn't do them justice either! I only wish I could express my pleasure in reading your words as well as you write them. I'm so glad you're here sharing with us! :)

Suggestion for color - invite Dolores to a game of paintball. That should be interesting, supposing you survive. Then somehow finagle her into getting sheared. She was supposed to get sheared when she originally came to 'visit', wasn't she?

And your last point... The first night my grandson Ryan was home, my stepdaughter, my SIL, and her mom were totally wrecked. The doc had had to do a Caesarian, and they'd all been at the hospital for 5 days. I finally got over to their place, they handed him over - to me, the never-had-a-child 3rd grandma! [g] - and crashed. Ryan was a bit fussy at first, probably at being in a new place and with a new person, but I sang to him very softly and it wasn't long before he cuddled down and went right to sleep. I spent most of the night holding Ryan on my chest, while he kept sleeping. One of the best compliments I've ever had in my life. So glad you've gotten to experience it too! Ain't it wonderful?

IllustrationFriday*dot*com has issued a challenge this week of illustrating "Your Paradise." It would be a place where all children grow up feeling needed and sufficient. With enough love, we experience. I am so happy that darling baby gave it to you. Some lovers are capable of nurturing those sensibilities, some children, some friends. Best wishes.

Ahhh...#3 had me smiling. #4 had me laughing at the thought of putting all that stuff in a pot, stirring it around, and pulling out a wonderful shawl. Then #5 had me looking through watery eyes. You will be a wonderful uncle. *hugs Franklin*

Some people run from strong emotions because they know and fear the power of events that call them forth. Your writing and photography remind us that to capture and share the truth of such moments is a sacred task.

I don't have children of my own, partly because I don't find small babies interesting, but I love being an aunt!

As an aunt/uncle you are rarely the disciplinarian, and are therefore cool. You can buy gifts which the child will love but your sibling will hate (such as water pistols or toys with loud noises). You have can be the devil's advocate to almost everything society finds proper (I want to grow up to be Aunty Mame).

Seriously though, I think that providing an 'alternative' role model to a child, broadening its horizons of what's possible in the world, is a responsibility that is not taken seriously enough. I'm sure you will fulfil this duty admirably.

A beautiful baby in a beautiful blanket! I also highly recommend a Moby wrap baby carrier to help keep baby snuggled and safe. You can fall asleep and not risk the baby rolling off your chest, LOL. At least she tried your bicep and not elsewhere, LOL.I also have a neice named Abigail!

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